– Security in the Arctic region has remained a central topic, but it is often understood too narrowly, merely as a military issue. At the event, we aim to highlight that Arctic security involves many different factors, says Markku Heikkilä, Head of Science Communications at the Arctic Centre, who is leading the conference preparations.

The Rovaniemi Arctic Spirit conference has been held every two years since 2013, and it has become Finland’s premier Arctic event. Previously, the conference took place in November, but this time it will be held from May 5th to 7th. The date change is due to a desire to avoid Rovaniemi’s peak tourist season and to align better with the international Arctic conference calendar in the spring.

– It’s important to bring out the Finnish perspective on the Arctic. We talk about life, people, land use, and similar topics, while globally, the Arctic is still largely viewed through the lens of the sea and ice, Heikkilä adds.

The conference, which will be held at Korundi House of Culture and Arktikum, includes pre-events focusing on cultural themes, a high-level political day, and sessions based on scientific research. The main organizers are the Arctic Centre at the University of Lapland and the City of Rovaniemi. The event is expected to attract 200–300 international participants.

Conference website: rovaniemiarcticspirit.fi/

Contact Information:

Markku Heikkilä, Head of Science Communications
markku.heikkila (at) ulapland.fi
+358 40 484 4300

Mari Riikonen, Conference Coordinator
mari.riikonen (at) ulapland.fi
+358 40 484 6687